6.9.10

The Hindu population (Indians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans…) in France is – only - some 120.000, compared to some 900.000 in U.K.. Anyhow, a large part of the 120.000 seemed to have been present during the yearly Ganesh procession which took place in Paris August 29.

I have no intention, nor ability, to explain anything about Hinduism and its Gods. What I understand is that Ganesh, or Ganesha, is one of the most popular, son of Shiva… and that he has a partial likeness with an elephant, curved trunk, big ears…. There is a Ganesh Temple in Paris. I already made a post about it last year and if you wish you can read some more details about the Paris population, the religion… there.

The Ganesh Temple has since my last post moved very slightly and is now situated 17 rue Pajol, in the 10th arrondissement, close to where a large part of the Paris Hindus are active. Before watching the procession I made a visit to the new little Temple, actually an old shop.

Of course bare feet are requested in the temple, but obviously also during the march.

The march covers a part of the 10th and 18th arrondissements and lasts some four or five hours. Starting point is close to the Ganesh Temple, at the metro station, Chapelle. I took the photos at the upper parts of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, today completely occupied by Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan shops and restaurants. This is where all the participants gathered and prepared themselves for the march. (See map at the end of the post.)

There are a lot of coconuts around. Breaking and crushing coconuts is an important part of the Hindu ritual. You will have to look for the symbolism of this elsewhere.

Ciao Peter, Ganesh with Gadura the god bird and Hanuman the god monkey, composed the trilogy of the main indian gods and his cult is well documented by your beautiful and interesting photos that allow me to see the representation of folk traditions that I love so much!

What a colorful celebration! I wonder why we dress dark in the winter and with colors in the summer? It should be other way round...But in Asia they dress colorful all year round which is superb!I bought orange etc. clothes from India but can't wear them here - I'm strange enough without Indian outfit... :) (here people stare at you even if this is a huge city)

Lord Ganesh is among the most worshipped deities in India, in a belief that it is he who plays a part in helping remove obstacles in one's life! Coincidentally, the festival which pays him honour, Ganesh Chathurthi, is just around the corner and is celebrated on Sep 11!

P,As always, you bring us sights of Paris we wouldn't think of finding there. I photographed some young Indian dancers and the henna painting of their hands recently at our open air market. It was delight to capture their dancing.V

anything about India and it's always mystical and fascinating. although, i;ve never attempted to see what's inside, out of respect for ones' religion,the temples are always interesting.but the yearly procession isn't common here, thanks for sharing this. ^0^

Peter. i have always believed that tolerance should have limits. All these people living in a different culture could have celebrated their festival at home without making any noise. i feel sad when people flaunt their religion rather than taking an essence of it.

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My previous blog, PHO, was in operation for a year as from March 2007. It contains similar posts as this one, basically talking about different well known or more secrete sites in Paris. You can reach it by clicking HERE.